Grand Tour Glass Gemstone with Philosopher in Gilt Metal Seal

Resin casting of a figural panel depicting a group of three men manoeuvring a model horse on wheels towards a city gate blocked by a female with arms raised to the heavens; stepped lower edge forming the base; suspension bracket to reverse. 1.37 kg, 22 cm wide



From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.

Finely modelled with a black-and-white enamelled mask, the features animated by rose-cut diamond eyes and a small ruby set into the open mouth; the head framed by a serrated gold collet and flanked by silver foliate clusters each set with a further rose-cut diamond; the shank formed as asymmetrical rococo scrolls with pierced and chased detailing throughout, the reverse of the bezel open, revealing white enamel engraved with faint traces of an original posy inscription. 2.28 grams, 21.10 mm overall, 17.45 x 16.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)

The enamel remains entirely original and unrestored.

Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13321-257909.

Though now largely worn, the underside of the bezel would likely have borne a concealed love sentiment, comparable to the formula Je cache mes amours ('I mask my love'), found on related rings of mid-18th-century manufacture. The theme of the masked lover, drawn from contemporary masquerade culture and its associations with flirtation, secrecy, and clandestine courtship, here transforms the jewel into a witty and intimate token.

With disc bezel, high-relief hexafoil with pellet centre, beaded rim. 3.80 grams, 25.45 mm overall, 20.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



Ex North London gentleman; formerly with Robin Symes Gallery, Mayfair, before 1999. Private collection, Suffolk, UK.